Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rent Commission. This independent organization helps to resolve disputes about rent prices, service charges, maintenance and other rental issues. However, many tenants and landlords do not exactly know what the Rent Commission does, how a procedure proceeds and what you can expect from them. In this article we explain it step by step.
What is the Rent Commission?
The Rent Commission is a national, independent institution that deals with disputes between tenants and landlords. Think of:
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An excessively high rent at the start of a lease
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Discussions about annual rent increases
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Disagreement about service charges
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Complaints about overdue maintenance
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Discussions about the amount of the deposit
The decisions of the Rent Commission are binding, unless one of the parties goes to court within eight weeks.
👉 Official website: rentcommission.nl
When can you go to the Rent Commission?
You can start a procedure at the Rent Commission if you and your landlord (or tenant) cannot resolve it together. The most common situations are:
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Rent Check – Are you doubting whether the rent is too high? The Rent Commission can test this against the legal rules.
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Rent Increase – If you disagree with a proposed rent increase.
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Service Charges – For example, if there is uncertainty about costs for cleaning or energy.
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Maintanance Defects – Think of mold, leaks or broken facilities.
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Refund Deposit – In a dispute after the end of the rental period.
How does a procedure at the Rent Commission work?
A procedure proceeds in different steps:
1. Submission of a request
The tenant or landlord submits a petition. This can be easily done via the website of the Rent Commission.
2. Payment of levies
A small fee (levies) must be paid. If you are vindicated, you usually get these costs back.
3. Treatment of the case
The Rent Commission looks at the documents and can organize a hearing. Sometimes the house itself is also visited.
4. Decision
The Rent Commission makes a binding decision. Only if you or your landlord/tenant disagrees, the case can still be presented to the court.
What are the benefits of the Rent Commission?
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Accessible: You do not need a lawyer.
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Affordable: The costs are relatively low.
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Independent: The commission is neutral and decides fairly based on the law.
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Quick: Procedures usually last a few months, shorter than many court procedures.
Difference between Rent Commission and Judge
Many people wonder: Should I go to the Rent Commission or to the court?
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Rent Commission: suitable for rental disputes over price, service charges or maintenance. The procedure is accessible and cheaper.
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Judge: necessary if you also want to include other legal issues, such as termination of the lease or compensation.
Sometimes it is wise to first try the Rent Commission because it is less costly and gives faster results.
Frequently asked questions about the Rent Commission
1. How much does a procedure at the Rent Commission cost?
The levies are usually between €25 and €450, depending on the type of case and whether you are a tenant or landlord.
2. Do I need a lawyer for the Rent Commission?
No, the procedures are designed in such a way that you can submit your case without a lawyer. However, it can be useful to engage a lawyer to increase your chances.
3. How long does a procedure at the Rent Commission take?
On average, a procedure takes a few months. This depends on the complexity of the case and the availability of the commission.
4. Can I appeal against a decision of the Rent Commission?
Yes, within eight weeks you can present the case to the court if you disagree with the decision.
5. Can I also go to the Rent Commission for commercial leases (such as business space)?
No, the Rent Commission only deals with living space, not business space.
